A release of internal emails has revealed that U.S. agrochemical giant Monsanto manipulated studies of the company’s herbicide, Roundup. Experts believe the product causes cancer – and the consequences for the company could be dire. Some companies’ reputations are so poor that the public already has low expectations when it comes to their ethics and […]
Archive | Stories
‘Paradise Lost’: How To Help Our Oceans Before It’s Too Late
In the past 50 years, Earth’s oceans have been depleted and acidified to alarming degrees. Sylvia Earle, a longtime marine scientist, explains her plan to save at least a small part of them — along with our planet. Interview Conducted by Philip Bethge The swarm of jack mackerel looks like a silver wall in front […]
Jane Goodall Interview: ‘Even Chimps Understand Sustainability’
Jane Goodall spent years observing chimpazees in the wild. She discovered that the animals can commit murder and wage war. As an environmentalist, the British activist now spends more time observing humans — and says she still has hope for humanity.
Miracle Crop: India’s Quest to End World Hunger
Over one third of humanity is undernourished. Now a group of scientists are experimenting with specially-bred crops, and hoping to launch a new Green Revolution — but controversy is brewing. By Philip Bethge It may not make his family wealthy, but Devran Mankar is still grateful for the pearl millet variety called Dhanshakti (meaning “prosperity and strength”) he […]
Hydropower Struggle: Dams Threaten Europe’s Last Wild Rivers
Europe’s last remaining wild rivers flow through the Balkans, providing stunning scenery and habitat to myriad plants and animals. But hundreds of dam projects threaten to do irreparable harm to the region’s unique biospheres — to provide much needed electricity to the people who live there. By Philip Bethge How did Europe’s rivers look before […]
Reeling In the Trawlers: EU Takes On Overfishing
Fish stocks have made surprising comebacks in the North and Baltic seas. But much remains to be done. Beginning in January, new EU laws will impose more sustainable practices with stricter quotas and by-catch rules. By Philip Bethge When the men open the net on the ship’s deck, fat codfish slap into plastic fish baskets. […]
Vultures lured back to Germany
Vultures are slowly returning to Germany, driven out long ago by an unwelcoming populace. At the behest of conservationists, loosened “carcass regulations” in Europe have made the search for food less daunting — but some still wonder if the birds will be able to survive. By Philip Bethge Griffon vulture number 259 is no longer able […]
Flipper Fail: Dolphins May be Dumber Than We Think
For decades, it’s been common knowledge that dolphins are among the world’s smartest species. Now some researchers — and a new book — argue the supposed underwater geniuses aren’t so special after all. By Philip Bethge Their social lives are complex, and they can congregate in large groups. Their heart rates increase when they notice […]